Verizon Wireless Review

If you’re after the fastest 4G speeds on the market, Verizon is the best wireless service around. With download speeds reaching up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds maxing out around 5 Mbps, Verizon is the best choice for people who want enough speed to stream high-quality video content without any frustrating glitches. And with coverage in over 500 markets, Verizon boasts the largest 4G network in the country.

The Claim

Verizon isn’t shy about crowning themselves “best network in the U.S.” on its website.

Is It True?

Yes. While there is some fine print at work, Verizon’s principal claim is true: No other 4G carrier offers speeds as fast or coverage as wide. It’s the top cell phone carrier. It frequently cites the controlled network testing firm RootMetrics, which named Verizon the fastest in the second half of 2017. While competitors like T-Mobile have challenged that title with different testing studies, the Better Business Bureau affirmed in September 2017 that Verizon was indeed the fastest 4G network, and recommended that T-Mobile stop making the same claim.

It’s true that Verizon’s download speeds are an impressive 12 Mbps, but speeds won’t be as fast as advertised for its Go Unlimited plan during times of congestion. The pricier Beyond Unlimited plan provides some more peace of mind; your data will only be slowed down after you use 22 GB per line in a month, a pretty generous number considering the average Verizon user only uses 2 GB per month. If you want even more data with your unlimited plan, you can always opt for its highest-tier, Above Unlimited, which gives you 75 GB of data before slowing speeds.

No. 1 wireless carrier in the country

If you want the best 4G LTE mobile service provider in the country, look no further than Verizon Wireless. It’s consistently ranked the best thanks to its impressive speeds, coverage, and reliability. Not only does RootMetrics rate it as No. 1, Verizon also earned a 5 out of 5 Power Circle Rating from J.D. Power. With such an impressive track record, you won’t need to worry about Verizon’s dependability

Variety of data and unlimited plans

Verizon Wireless has a plan to fit most people’s needs. Whether you need talk and text with just a little bit of data, or unlimited data, plus some travel features, it’s likely you’ll find a plan that works for your lifestyle. Verizon has five data plans, plus cheap data plans specifically for tablets, wearables and hotspots. It also has three unlimited plans and a prepaid unlimited plan that doesn’t include an annual contract.

75 GB of data with Above Unlimited

Most unlimited data plans aren’t truly unlimited, with carriers slowing speeds after a certain data threshold is met. Verizon’s Above Unlimited plan offers one of the highest data caps around and won’t throttle speeds until you hit 75 GB. That’s huge when compared to its Beyond Unlimited plan, which slows speeds at 22 GB. AT&T also slows speeds at 22 GB for both its unlimited plans. Sprint and T-Mobile won’t start throttling speeds until you hit 50 GB — impressive, but even that pales in comparison to Verizon’s 75 GB. If you’re a heavy user and need the fastest speeds, Above Unlimited is the plan for you.

Possible Drawbacks

Expensive

One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make regarding Verizon Wireless’ 4G services is if the increased speeds are worth the price for you. Verizon carries a higher price tag than many of its competitors, which may put them out of the running if you’re looking for cell phone service on a budget. That said, Verizon also offers some of the fastest speeds and highest data limits of any company in the industry, and to some, these services may be worth paying extra.

No entertainment perks

Carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile all include additional features, like Netflix or Hulu subscriptions, to entice cord-cutting customers. Verizon doesn’t offer additional entertainment add-ons, which adds to it feeling more expensive than competitors. However, it does include Verizon Up, a rewards program across all standard monthly plans that lets you earn rewards on “every $300 you spend on your Verizon Wireless products and services on monthly bills.” Rewards include concert tickets, 1 GB of bonus data and gift cards.

Verizon Wireless vs. AT&T Wireless

A close second behind Verizon Wireless, AT&T is a good choice for those who want similarly fast speeds, but with added perks like an included live streaming service. Verizon is still the best in the country and a better option if you’re a heavy user who wants to stream video, music and play games, but if you’re fine with slightly slower speeds and reliability, AT&T has some great added benefits that can make up for performance.

Verizon Wireless vs. Sprint

If you’re looking for cheap, but quality family plans, Sprint has one of the best introductory offers: five Unlimited Plus lines for $22 per month per line. It also includes Hulu subscriptions with its Unlimited Basic plan and both Hulu and Tidal subscriptions with its Unlimited Plus plan. Sprint’s reliability isn’t as consistent as Verizon’s (even in cities), but it’s worth considering as a budget option.

Verizon Wireless vs. T-Mobile

With slightly cheaper and slower plans than Verizon, T-Mobile is a great choice for people living in cities, as that’s where its coverage is strongest. It’s been known to struggle in rural areas, but even that is changing. As PC Mag reported in June 2017, “Our studies show that you don't need to worry about that anymore, unless you're in Wyoming or a few other rural areas.” The addition of a free Netflix subscription and tons of other impressive features like in-flight text and data are an added bonus. If you don’t need the fastest plan, T-Mobile is a good alternative.

Verizon Wireless FAQs

Does Verizon Wireless have military discounts?

Yes. Verizon Wireless offers three discounts for service members, veterans and their families. You can get up to $40 off all unlimited plans with three or more phone lines, 15% off per month on other plans, and 25% off per month on select accessories. For more information on the military discounts Verizon offers on phone plans, check here.

What is a Verizon TravelPass?

TravelPass is Verizon’s international allowance of talk, text and data. It can be used in more than 130 countries, but will cost a daily rate. TravelPass is $5 a day for Mexico and Canada (waived for Verizon’s unlimited plans) and $10 a day for other eligible countries (Above Unlimited includes five TravelPass days each month).

The Bottom Line

Verizon remains the best cell phone service for blazing fast 4G speeds and nationwide coverage. You will have to pay a bit more and it doesn’t come with many entertainment add-ons, but you’ll get a reliability that’s unmatched in the industry.

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